WASHINGTON�The National Association of Broadcasters has reacted favorably to the announcement that AT&T will activate the FM chip in its smartphones, beginning in 2016.
�Today marks a new beginning in mobile technology with the agreement by a global iconic brand, AT&T, to light up the FM receiver chips in all of its future Android smartphones,� said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. �With this decision, AT&T�s customers become the biggest beneficiaries, giving them access to local radio news, entertainment, weather, and failsafe emergency alert connectivity. With access to apps like NextRadio, AT&T�s listeners will also enjoy song tagging and interactivity features that have become increasingly popular with younger listeners.
During Tuesday�s House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology FCC Oversight hearing, Chairman Greg Walden (R-Ore.) also praised the wireless company�s decision, and he noted that it is the second such deal in recent years.�
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